The Bay of Bengal produces seven to nine cyclones, sever or weak. In two cyclone seasons a year. Bangladesh faces the chance of being hit by two such cyclones a year. Hamiduzzaman Khan Chowdhtrry. Director. Meteorological Department told The Dally Star on Thursday

The Met Director, however, made It clear that there is no reason to believe that two cyclones are certain to hit Bangladesh every year. Chowdhury said scientists around the globe are yet to fathom the mystery of cyclone. They only know the necessary conditions' and can predict with a certain measure of accuracy the intensity and movement of a cyclonic system after It is formed.

He said cyclones are formed tn the Bay of Bengal In the pre-monsoon months of April and May. and again in the post-monsoon months of October. November and the first half of December

Two to three cyclones develop in the months of April and May. and five to six others In October. November and the first half of December On an average one cyclone Is likely to hit Bangladesh in each of the two cyclone seasons Chowdhury said

He said the Bay of Bangui Is one of the world ■ eight sea basins producing cyclones On an average ten per cent of world s cyclones (called typhoons tn the Pacific and hurricanes in the Atlantic) generate in the Bay of Bangal. The Bay cyclones, however, are 90 per cent more devastating than identical storms.

Chowdhury said that Monday's cyclone was more devastating than the great cyclone of November 12.

1970. that killed five lakh people. Monday’s cyclone, however, had a much wider exposure' in so far as the population in the coastal areas has Increased manifold over that of 1970.